Acts of the Apostles: Always Something there to Remind Me

​Introduction
Have you ever heard someone say, “We’ve always done it that way!” when faced with change? It’s a phrase that comes up a lot in churches, workplaces, and even in our personal lives. Traditions are comforting because they’re familiar, but sometimes they can hold us back from seeing the bigger picture. Today, we’re diving into Acts 11:1–18 to explore how early Christians wrestled with tradition and change, and what we can learn from their experience.

Two weeks ago we talked about a major turning point in the early Church:

• Peter’s personal biases were challenged.
• Gentiles—the non-Jewish people—became believers.
• These Gentiles received the Holy Spirit just like the Jewish believers did.
  
  

In Acts 11, we see how the believers in Judea responded to this unexpected change. The acceptance of Gentiles wasn’t smooth; it took some convincing and a shift in perspective. In the end, though, they realized God was doing something new. Today, we’ll look at:

1. The tension between tradition and change.
2. Biblical examples of both.
3. How we can balance honoring tradition while embracing God-led change
   
   

Acts 11:1 - 18

The Issue at Hand
When the news reached Judea that Gentiles had received the Holy Spirit, the Jewish Christians were not thrilled. Instead of celebrating, they criticized Peter for breaking Jewish customs by entering a Gentile’s home and sharing a meal. This wasn’t just about table manners but about centuries of religious tradition. The Jewish believers had been circumcised as part of the Mosaic covenant and followed strict laws to remain set apart. They couldn't understand how God could accept Gentiles without doing the same.

To them, it seemed outrageous that Gentiles could be considered equal members of God’s family purely through faith in Jesus—without following the traditional Jewish laws. They argued that Gentiles should be circumcised and follow the Law of Moses if they wanted to become Christians. This confrontation was far from friendly; Peter had to answer some tough questions. From the perspective of these Jewish believers, Peter’s actions seemed like a betrayal of everything they’d been taught.

Peter’s Response
What’s remarkable about Peter is how he handles the criticism. He doesn’t get defensive or lash out. Instead, he calmly explains what happened. Peter recounts his vision from God about the unclean animals and how the Holy Spirit led him to visit Cornelius, a Gentile. The fact that Luke, the author of Acts, repeats this story three times shows how significant it is. When God repeats something, it’s His way of saying, “Pay attention!”

Peter’s key point was simple but groundbreaking: salvation comes through faith in Christ, not by following the old traditions. He even asks a powerful question:
“Who was I to stand in God’s way?” (Acts 11:17)

Peter’s argument was rock-solid. Even Paul later expands on this idea in Romans 9:15–16, emphasizing that our efforts don’t earn God’s mercy but is freely given. God doesn’t have to justify His actions to us—He’s sovereign.

The Reaction of the Believers
Peter’s explanation was so convincing that the believers in Judea couldn’t argue with him. They realized that God was indeed doing something new. Their response? They stopped complaining and started praising God. They accepted the Gentiles into the community of believers, recognizing that God’s plan was bigger than their traditions.

This wasn’t just about including a new group of people; it was about embracing a new way of understanding God’s grace. The Jewish believers began to see the bigger picture—that God’s love was for everyone, not just for those who followed Jewish customs.

Tradition vs. Change
This story brings us to an important question: How do we balance tradition and change?
Traditions can be good. They ground us and connect us to our history. For example:

• In 1 Corinthians 11:2, Paul praises the believers for holding to traditions he taught them.
• In 2 Thessalonians 2:15, he urges them to stand firm and hold fast to the teachings.
  
  

However, traditions can become problematic when they contradict God’s will or when we prioritize them over God Himself. Jesus addressed this issue directly in Matthew 15:3 - He challenged the Pharisees for placing traditions above God’s commands. Tradition alone does not make us right with God—faith does.

The Pros and Cons of Tradition
When is tradition good?

• It helps us remember God’s faithfulness. Reflecting on God’s faithfulness allows us to recall how He has guided, protected, and provided for us in the past. We build trust and confidence in His unchanging nature by remembering His promises and how He has fulfilled them.
• It gives us a sense of identity and community.  Being part of a faith community helps us understand who we are in relation to God and others. Shared beliefs, traditions, and worship practices create a sense of belonging and purpose.
• It provides stability in a changing world.  Faith acts as an anchor in a constantly changing and often uncertain world, offering assurance and hope. The timeless truths and promises of God provide a foundation that remains steady regardless of external circumstances.

When is tradition bad?

• When it contradicts Scripture.  Traditions must be evaluated against the truth of God’s Word, as anything that opposes or distorts biblical teachings can lead us astray. Holding onto practices contradicting Scripture can hinder our spiritual growth and lead to disobedience.
• When it becomes more important than our relationship with God.  When traditions take precedence over a genuine relationship with God, they risk becoming empty rituals devoid of true faith and devotion. Prioritizing customs over a personal connection with God can cause us to miss the heart of worship and intimacy He desires.
• When it keeps us from embracing God-led change.  Clinging too tightly to traditions can prevent us from responding to the new directions and transformations God may be leading us towards. Being open to change allows us to grow spiritually and follow God’s will more faithfully, even when it challenges our comfort zones.
  
  

What About Change?
Change is a word that makes a lot of us uncomfortable, especially in the church. But the Bible is full of examples where God initiates change for the better:

• The new life in Christ (Ephesians 4:24).
• The new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31, Mark 14:24).
• The new heaven and earth (2 Peter 3:13).
• God’s promise to do a “new thing” in Isaiah 43:19.

Change isn’t about abandoning everything familiar. It’s about being open to what God is doing now, even if it looks different from what we’re used to. The key is to discern whether the change is from God or our desires.

The truth is, change is inevitable. But when we’re open to God-led change, we trust His faithfulness and sovereignty. It’s okay to be cautious about change, but let’s not resist it when God initiates it.
 
Preparing for the Future
Here are four ways we can have a healthy, balanced view of traditions and change:

1. Pray constantly for God’s guidance: Prayer aligns our hearts with God’s will.
2. Give thanks for God’s faithfulness: Remember how He has led us in the past.
3. Be open to change when God initiates it: Resist the urge to cling to tradition for tradition’s sake.
4. Pray some more: Change can be unsettling, but prayer helps us stay grounded in God’s promises.
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Conclusion
The story in Acts 11 isn’t just about Gentiles being accepted into the Church; it’s about the challenge of moving beyond “We’ve always done it that way.” The early Church had to wrestle with their traditions and trust that God was doing something new. In the same way, we’re called to honor the traditions that help us grow in faith while also being open to the new things God might be doing.

So next time you hear someone say, “We’ve always done it that way,” take a moment to consider: Is it tradition holding us back, or is God calling us forward? Let’s strive to be a people who honor the past but aren’t afraid to embrace God’s new plans for the future.

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